WIND
26%
High-velocity winds can uproot trees, damage roofs, collapse walls or worse.
Prevention Tips >
Tornadoes, hurricanes and severe windstorms all pack a punch that can lead to devastating home and property losses. Take precautions to keep your family and your home as safe as possible.
PREVENT
Pruning trees, protecting windows and strengthening structures are among the many ways you can prevent damage from high-velocity windstorms.
Tips on how to be ready for a hurricane >
Find out about tornado safety measures >
Tornadoes can hit anytime, anywhere. Having a written plan of what to do and practicing regular drills can be a lifesaver for you and your family.
PREPARE
Learn more about homeowners insurance >
No matter what steps you take to prevent losses, the unexpected can occur. The right coverage is the surest way to protect you if your home or personal property is damaged or someone gets hurt on your property.
iNSURE
*Percentages displayed for most common causes of damage are based on total number of Travelers’ personal insurance property claims from July 2016 through December 2020; most expensive causes of damage percentages are based on total payments for those claims.
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NATIONAL RISKS
WINTER
FALL
SUMMER
SPRING
ST. LOUIS
CHICAGO
CHARLOTTE
NATIONAL
We analyzed five years of home claim data to uncover the most common and most expensive causes of damage.* Click on the prevention tips below to learn how to prepare and prevent losses before they happen.
23%
NON-WEATHER WATER
Plumbing, sewer or appliance leaks and failures can create devastating losses.
18%
HAIL
Hail typically damages roofs, but may also harm windows, siding and more.
12%
WEATHER-RELATED WATER
Leaky roofs, frozen pipes that burst and ice dams can really take a toll.
8%
THEFT
Break-ins may result in both personal property losses and property damage.
WATER
For more information, visit our Home Protection: Water Resource Center.
NON-WEATHER
WEATHER-RELATED
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Get tips on water emergency preparedness >
Knowing where your home’s main water shut-off valve is located can make all the difference in the case of an emergency.
Find information on water sensors here >
Maintaining plumbing and appliances and installing water sensors are essential to protecting your home from water damage.
Water damage not related to weather can happen if a pipe bursts, a valve fails or appliances like air conditioning units, water heaters and washing machines have issues. A little precaution can go a long way.
Learn how to help prevent water damage >
Get tips to prepare your home for hail >
Consider using impact-resistant material if you have plans to replace your roof and you live in a hail-prone area.
Learn how to minimize hail damage >
Before hail hits, there are steps you can take to protect what’s outside your home, such as cars and patio furniture, as well as what’s inside.
The average hailstorm lasts only five minutes, but the damage to vehicles, homes and roofs can be extensive and costly. Being prepared means being protected.
Follow these SAFE security tips >
Make this three-minute security checklist a part of your daily routine to lessen the chance that your home will be targeted by thieves.
Get tips on securing your home >
Lighting. Landscaping. Neighbors. Police. Each can play a role in helping you protect your home from being burglarized.
Though theft occurs much less frequently than other causes of homeowner loss, it’s among the top five most common. Protect yourself from becoming a victim. Here are specific steps you can take to help keep you, your family and home safe and more secure.
Learn more about sump pump maintenance >
Keeping your sump pump in top working order can help prevent water damage to your basement.
Find information on ice dams here >
Get tips on how to prevent water damage >
Is your property able to handle the runoff from summer storms or winter thaws? Do you know how to prevent ice dams?
Weather-related water damage can be caused not only by driving rain, melting snow and ice dams, but also by freezing temperatures that lead to broken water pipes. Take precautions now to ward off water issues later.
Learn how to prevent water damage >
Follow these SAFE security steps >
DENVER
MENU
17%
Most COMMON
Most EXPENSIVE
20%
Electrical, cooking, wildfire and other sources can put homes at risk for fire.
28%
FIRE
5%
Learn how to create an evacuation plan >
Having fire extinguishers handy can help you fight small fires in your home. Should a larger fire break out, a well-planned escape route can save lives.
Learn how to prevent fire damage >
There are many ways to avoid home fires — from being careful when you cook to making sure your clothes dryer is vented properly.
While fire and smoke may not be the most frequent causes of home damage, they are consistently among the most expensive.* Taking smart precautions goes a long way toward keeping your family and home safe.
Choose the right fire extinguisher >
*According to the Travelers personal insurance property claim data from 2009-2017.
24%
16%
11%
21%
25%
10%
33%
22%
31%
9%
15%
30%
13%
14%
35%
6%
53%
3%
4%
72%
Get tips to help prepare your home for the season.
SPRING MAINTENANCE TIPS >
SPRING RISKS
34%
19%
SUMMER MAINTENANCE TIPS >
SUMMER RISKS
FALL MAINTENANCE TIPS >
FALL RISKS
48%
29%
WINTER MAINTENANCE TIPS >
WINTER RISKS
